ImpactCR
Join ImpactCR to create connections in the Cedar Rapids region.
GET INVOLVED
Connect, Engage, Grow & Give Back
Connect and grow with other like-minded
young professionals in our area with ImpactCR!
Let’s talk about what it means to be a young professional in Cedar Rapids. It’s not just about swapping business cards; it’s about building something meaningful and creating deep connections within our community. These are the roots of ImpactCR.
ImpactCR looks beyond just being a strong networking group. It’s a place to connect with other young professionals, find opportunities for learning, support civic engagement, and develop the future leaders of the Cedar Rapids region.
We’re open to all. No matter your profession, industry, skill sets, or specialties. Our goal is to build a vibrant, inclusive community that thrives off balance in professional growth and a full, fun life.
Our 3 Pillars
- Social Connections: Empower young professionals to expand their networks, exchange ideas and thrive both personally and professionally
- Leadership Development: Provide valuable opportunities for skill enhancement, knowledge sharing and mentorship to foster career growth
- Civic Engagement: Organize and facilitate volunteer initiatives that make a positive difference in our local community
Building Leaders. Strengthening Careers. Growing Our Community.
ImpactCR Mentorship Program
The ImpactCR Mentorship Program connects young professionals with experienced community leaders for intentional, goal-driven mentorship. Designed to support professional growth, leadership development, and meaningful community connection, this six-month program helps emerging leaders build skills, confidence, and relationships that strengthen our regional workforce.
As part of the Economic Alliance’s broader workforce development efforts, this program invests in people — ensuring the Cedar Rapids region continues to attract, retain, and grow talent across industries.
How it Works
The ImpactCR Mentorship Program pairs motivated young professionals (mentees) with established leaders (mentors) from across the community. Matches are created intentionally based on goals, experience, leadership interests, and shared preferences — not just job title or industry.
This is a mentee-driven program, meaning mentees take an active role in shaping their experience by setting goals, scheduling meetings, and guiding conversations during a 6 month period from June-November 2026. Mentors provide perspective, support, and guidance grounded in real-world experience.
Matched pairs commit to meeting at least once in month 1, and month 2, and another two times over the remaining months. These meetings may be flexible in however they work for the matched pair; virtual, in-person, or hybrid. Communication between meetings is encouraged!
If you’re looking to grow in your career, or give back by supporting emerging leaders, the ImpactCR Mentorship Program offers a meaningful way to invest in yourself and our community.
Who should apply?
Mentees
- Young professionals seeking growth, leadership development, or career clarity
- Open to individuals at any career stage
- Applicants should be ready to actively engage and drive their own development
Mentors
- Experienced professionals with 8–10+ years in the workforce
- Leaders interested in giving back, sharing insight, and supporting emerging talent
- Senior and executive leaders are encouraged to apply
Applications are due April 15, 2026. Mentee/Mentor matches will be notified late May, 2026, and will also be recognized at ImpactCR’s Make Your Mark year-end event in November 2026.
Participation in the ImpactCR Mentorship Program is open to the broader community — Economic Alliance membership is not required.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors
Co-Presenting
Co-Presenting
Thank you to our Supporting Sponsor
Meet the ImpactCR Advisory Board
Cindy Stier (chair)
First Interstate Bank
“I came here for a work opportunity, and I stayed for the people and community!”
Avery Campbell (vice chair)
Neighborly Development Consulting
“A native of Cedar Rapids, and wouldn’t have it any other way. The close-knit community, depth of meaningful connections, and the wealth of opportunities make CR a vibrant hub of fulfillment and thriving potential. It’s a great place to call home.”
Heidi Alderdyce
Paragon Interiors
“Cedar Rapids is a growing and exciting place to call home as a young professional. Opportunities and resources are easily accessible, and connection is everywhere. I joined the ImpactCR board to deepen my involvement in the community, and drive my time towards being a part of an organization that shares the same values. I look forward to developing lasting relationships, and teaming up with a talented group of Cedar Rapids professionals!”
Justin Aspengren
Northwestern Mutual
“I moved to Cedar Rapids in 2019 in search of opportunity, and I found it everywhere! The corridor is flooding with potential, and I’m excited to be part of a future driven by the next generation. It’s an exciting time to be here!”
Michele Davis
Community Health Free Clinic
“I moved to Cedar Rapids knowing only my sister, but I stayed because of its vibrant energy, warm community, and the countless opportunities it offered for both personal and professional growth. I’m proud to call Cedar Rapids home and will continue to support the community that embraced me!”
Christian Francois (governance officer)
Cedar Rapids Tourism
“I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, IA, and am very passionate about our community. I’ve always been proud to call this place home. Being away for four years while attending college and traveling on various study abroad trips, made me realize how special Cedar Rapids is. I want to be more involved with our community and what better way to do so than by growing and advocating for our city with like minded young professionals.”
Riley Galbraith
Collins Aerospace
“Although I’ve been a Cedar Rapids resident my entire life, I know that it is the only place that I can truly call home. It provides the best of both worlds: a vibrant city with a plethora of professional opportunities and fun things to do, combined with a tight knit community that leaves behind the complications of a big city.”
Cari McCoy (communications manager)
Van Meter
“I grew up here, left for nearly 10 years after graduating from Coe, and lived in major cities around the country before returning to Cedar Rapids for good. The CR Metro is the best place to be when you want to put roots down because of the strong sense of community, the opportunities for young families, and the way our people rally around each other in times of need. I love being a part of this community and doing my part to help it grow and thrive.”
Matthew McPherson
Crystal Group
“I am a transplant to Cedar Rapids, but it quickly became home. With its welcoming community, safe neighborhoods, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to raise my daughters.”
McKenna Nauman
Rinderknecht Associates
“As a Cedar Rapids native, I love how the strong sense of community makes the city feel like home every single day. It’s a place where you can truly put down roots, with exciting things happening all the time while still feeling far more relaxed than a major city. Cedar Rapids continues to grow in ways that make it an inspiring and welcoming place to be.”
Nick Perkins
World Class Industries
“I moved to Cedar Rapids for employment in 2023 and I’ve found a welcoming community with strong economic opportunities. I really enjoy seeing the growth of the city and the great restaurants and businesses that are flourishing here.”
Jade Ploessl
GreenState Credit Union
“My husband’s job brought us here but I have grown to the love the tight knit community!”
Rick Povey
Realty 87
“I grew up near Cedar Rapids. I’ve always loved how there can be so much opportunity without losing the small town feel and affordability. My passion is to share the opportunities that exist here with other young professionals looking for a place to set roots. The people and the communities are like none other.”
Brady Quinn
MEDCO
“The opportunity to make an impact in the community is unique. Uptown Marion is where my family and I spend a lot of our time, in particular The Uptown Artway. We also enjoy our locally owned restaurants and breweries.”
Kara Roloson
Carson Wealth
“Cedar Rapids is filled with room to grow and be a part of a welcoming community. It reminds me of the small town I grew up in but with endless opportunities. I’ve made lifelong friends here and couldn’t ever see myself leaving now. Impact CR has been a big reason I now feel connected to this city and the amazing people who call it home.”
Camden Stovie
Harrison Group Inc.
“I have lived in Cedar Rapids my entire life and grow to love this community more and more every year. The city continues to surprise me with amazing restaurants, events and opportunities to connect with new people.”
Catherine VanDraska
Big Brothers Big Sisters
“I was born and raised in Cedar Rapids. This is an amazing place to build your career, raise a family and make friendships and connections!”